16 December 2023 , 08:00
1048
0
A massive breakthrough in asthma treatment could mean the end of inhalers for millions of asthma patients worldwide, thanks to a "revolutionary" jab, a study has found. Scientists studied the effects of benralizumab on 208 patients from November 2019 to February 2023 and discovered that 92% of them were able to safely cut down on their steroid puffer use.
Incredibly, six out of 10 patients involved in the study were able to stop using their inhalers completely. The research was conducted at 22 locations across the UK, France, Italy, and Germany.
According to the World Health Organization, asthma symptoms are caused by inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs, which can result in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. In 2019, an estimated 262 million people globally suffered from asthma, leading to 455,000 deaths, the WHO reported.
READ MORE: 'I'm allergic to Christmas - I buy gifts in September and mince pie smell could kill me'
The new medicine was studied in 22 different locations and proved to be about 92% effective, with 60% of patients being able to forego inhalers (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Inhaled medication can control asthma symptoms and allow sufferers to lead a normal, active life. However, long-term use of anti-inflammatory sprays or powders can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures, diabetes, and cataracts.
Danniella Westbrook opens up about sending saucy snaps to her fiancé in prison
Scientists have found that a new treatment called benralizumab might help people with severe asthma. It's an alternative to inhaled medicines that could mitigate the risk of other issues caused by taking them.
David Jackson, a top lung doctor at King's College London, who helped carry out the study that was first published in The Lancet last week, said to The U.S. Sun: "Biological therapies such as benralizumab have revolutionised severe asthma care in many ways. The results of this study show for the first time that steroid-related harm can be avoided for the majority of patients using this therapy."
"Biological therapies such as benralizumab have revolutionised severe asthma care in many ways. The results of this study show for the first time that steroid-related harm can be avoided for the majority of patients using this therapy."
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to
Millions of people suffer from asthma in the U.S. every year (PA)According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, around 5.4 million people in the UK are receiving asthma treatment - about one in every 12 people. In comparison, more than 27 million people in the United States have asthma - also about one in every 12.
According to the study, benralizumab was injected into patients every eight weeks. Most patients had severe eosinophils asthma, which is caused by high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils in the airways of the lungs.
Click to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories
According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, sometimes these immune cells are over-reactive and cause inflammation in the body, including in the lungs. People who have high levels of eosinophils can have swelling in the airways which can lead to asthma symptoms.
About nine out of 10 patients saw no worsening of asthma symptoms after taking benralizumab and remained free of any flare-ups throughout the 48-week study. The authors suggest that similar studies will be needed before solid advice can be given about the safety and effectiveness of reducing or stopping high-dose steroid use with other biological treatments.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
Having good friends can slash your risk of 11 silent killers including cancer